Organization was great, hospitality excellent, support was enough.
It has the potential to be the choicest destination marathon out there given the fact:
- most easterly city in North America
- it is in St. John's, Newfoundland one of North America's Oldest Cities
- St. John's military history wrt WWI and WWII (the historical sites are amazing)
- St. John's cultural uniqueness

However, this years route was two laps in an industrial section of Mount Pearl (7.8 miles worth) followed by a 16 mile out and back section on a secondary highway with a small shoulder, in the middle of no where Newfoundland and then back into another industrial section for the finish.
No city sites, no Water Street or Duckworth Street, no signal hill, no views of the harbour or the Narrows, no run through Pippy or Bowring parks.

Very disappointing and by far the ugliest route I have run (28). For the expense and time required to get to Newfoundland, I wouldn't recommend it unless they change the route.

Enjoyed the day and the race. A little hilly on the back half. A bit windy in both directions on this year's race but not a major deterrent.The marathon teams were great support for the full distance runners and created a party atmosphere on the course. Well organised from start to finish. Could use more water stops in the last 10 K. The awards reception had plenty of good food and a great locale. With the proper marketing this should be a destination marathon given the fact that it is the oldest marathon in Canada and the 3rd oldest in North America. Congratulations to the race organisers and the best of luck for the future. Hope to run it again.

Kudos to Tony Young and his small band of volunteers for pulling off a truly memorable race. Other than the trot through the industrial park, the course was designed with the runner in mind - essentially straight with no need to worry about cutting tangents. The organizational effort was second to none of the other marathons I have completed.

Traffic control ran smoothly with water and Gatorade at strategic locations. The food at the finish line as well as the finishing medals and the cool t-shirts were totally unexpected and obviously well received. The fan turn-out was small but those there were extremely supportive and into the event. If you're looking for a small race that is all about a runner and the road, this is the race for you. I'd do it again.

The route has changed from previous years. Great race - not too hilly until later stages of race. Fantastic finish area in one of St. John's most beautiful parks: Bowring Park.

The marathon is a small event with about 100 runners each doing the full and half marathons. The course does not go through the center of St John's, so it avoids the very steep hills that characterize the city. Unfortunately it also avoids some terrific historic sites and unique architecture. The course starts out by the airport, goes through some rural areas and past a big lake. Lots of wind. The organizers paid attention to the important things like runner safety and getting additional water to the runners on a hot day. More trivial details like finisher's medals, and gels on the course, were skipped.